QMI Agency

Major League Baseball has filed a lawsuit against Anthony Bosch, Biogenesis and six other defendants.

The league claims that by selling banned substances to its players, the accused knowingly and intentionally caused the players to breach their contractual obligations.

“Due to Defendants’ actions, MLB has suffered damages, including the costs of investigation, loss of goodwill, loss of revenue and profits and injury to its reputation, image, strategic advantage and fan relationships,” the league said in a statement on Friday.

In an incident that sparked a full-scale investigation, an ESPN report earlier this year claimed Bosch injected New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and supplied performance-enhancing drugs to a number of MLB players.

NFL BOWS TO MLB

The Baltimore Ravens have submitted to their baseball neighbours.

The Ravens hoped to open the 2013 NFL season at home on Sept. 5, but had a bit of a dispute as the Orioles are scheduled to host the Chicago White Sox on the same day.

Tweeting Friday, the Ravens relented:

“The Ravens are going to open the 2013 season on the road on Thursday, Sept. 5 because of a scheduling conflict with the Orioles.”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE BALKS AT WRIGLEY’S SCOREBOARD

The Chicago Tribune has really stepped in it this time.

The Windy City new outlet is arguing that the historic scoreboard at Wrigley Field — home of the Chicago Cubs — should be replaced with a digital version.

“I would find out if there’s a way to keep the exterior of the monster intact and replace the guts with the digital works for a giant replay screen and modern scoreboard,” Phil Rogers, a columnist with the Tribune, wrote this week.

“If it is too delicate for such a reconstruction, I would build a replica that keeps the exact same dimensions and exterior that houses a video board.”

The column was written to bring light to an estimated $20 million in revenue that might result from having a modern scoreboard installed.

AROLDIS CHAPMAN NAMED REDS’ CLOSER

After all the speculation that Aroldis Chapman might move into the Cincinnati Reds’ starting rotation, the 25-year-old Cuban has returned to his familiar role as closer.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty informed media Friday, adding that John Broxton is now the setup man, while righty Mike Leake will be used in the rotation.

BRIEFLY

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt has asked for his release from the team if he’s not named to the 25-man roster … Minnesota Twins Opening Day starter, Scott Diamond, will begin the season on the disabled list. The ace had a bone chip removed from his elbow in December but his progress has been hampered by setbacks … San Diego Padres prospect Casey Kelly will go under the knife on April 1 for Tommy John surgery. Kelly will miss the entire season.